9.7-inch iPad Pro Release Date, Features, News and Rumors

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro release date will arrive in less than two weeks at the March 2016 Apple event. This smaller iPad Pro can offer the best of the iPad Pro in a package closer to what you’d expect from the iPad Air 3.

Updated with potential 9.7 inch iPad Pro price On March 18, the iPad Air is higher than its starting price, and there are rumors that Apple will continue to sell the iPad Air 2.

It looks like Apple will switch to the iPad Pro name instead of a previously rumored iPad Air 3 for a 9.7-inch model coming to consumers in March.

The iPad Air 2 is over a year old and needs an upgrade to keep up with the iPad Pro, which Apple announced in late 2015 with a 12.9-inch display.

In our iPad Pro review, we decided we really wanted a smaller iPad Pro with Apple Pencil support and 3D touch. Signs are currently pointing to at least two of these wishes being fulfilled.

Along with the latest 2016 iPad Pro news and rumors, take a look at what you can expect from a smaller iPad Pro that we expect to arrive this month instead of the iPad Air 3.

9.7-inch iPad Pro Release Date: What to Expect?

The new smaller iPad Pro release date will likely arrive within a week of the March 21 Apple Event.

That means the 2016 iPad Pro release date could fall to Good Friday, March 25. Apple usually starts selling a new iPhone or iPad on a Friday. Apple Stores are usually open on Good Friday, but not always on Easter Sunday.

It’s possible that we could see the 9.7-inch iPad Pro release date arrive on Good Friday, or Monday, March 28, which is exactly one week after the event.

Another possibility is that Apple will start taking iPad Pro pre-orders within 24 hours of the event, with delivery later that week, with a in-store release date on one of the two days above.

When Apple plans to release this new iPad, expect to hear about it at the March 2016 Apple Event, where we’ll see a 4-inch iPhone se and new Apple Watch accessories.

Smaller iPad Pro Design

Expect Apple to drop the Air from the end of the iPad name and instead offer a smaller iPad Pro that looks a lot like what you’d expect from an iPad Air 3 anyway.

9to5Mac It is reported that Apple will announce a smaller iPad Pro that is very similar to the iPad Air 2 despite the name change. 2.

There will be some prominent differences. Leaks suggest that the new iPad Pro will be slightly thicker than the iPad Air 2. It also looks like the design will include the new Smart Connector, just like on the larger iPad Pro, allowing users to connect accessories.

There may also be support for four quad speakers, such as those found on the iPad Pro 12.9-inch model.

2016 iPad Pro Camera

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro doesn’t offer a great camera experience, but that could change with the smaller and more portable 9.7-inch iPad Pro. We see a lot of people using the iPad as their camera for photos and videos, and the new smaller iPad Pro could be a big step up.

Looks like 9.7 inch iPad Pro camera right now will use A 12MP sensor similar to the one found on the iPhone 6s. This should provide better looking photos and 4K video support. It’s unclear if Apple plans to add a rear flash, but some leaks point to it as an option.

Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

One of the biggest features we want on a 9.7-inch iPad Pro is Apple Pencil support. This is something we expect Apple to offer in the 2016 iPad Pro with a smaller screen. This will allow users to take notes and draw using the Apple Pencil, which Apple sells for $99.

The addition of the Smart Connector alongside a smaller iPad Pro means we should also see a smaller version of the Apple Smart Keyboard for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Expect a similar $169 price.

9.7-inch iPad Pro Features and Performance

Rumor has it that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro features have a lot in common with the 12.9-inch Pad Pro. 9to5Mac reports that the new model will include the same processor and RAM, as well as other similar options.

Mark Gurman reports that sources inside Apple claim the screen will be “noticeably brighter” than on the iPad Air 2.

9.7 inch iPad Pro Price

The latest leaks suggest that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro price will start at $599. That’s $100 more than the starting price of the iPad Air 2 and could provide additional functionality.

Open 9to5MacMark Gurman reports that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro base will start at $599 for 32GB of storage, and there will also be a 128GB iPad Pro with a 9.7-inch display.

The base 32GB model will only offer WiFi, but there will be a 9.7-inch iPad Pro LTE with 128GB of storage and a WiFi option with 128GB of storage. There is no leaked price for the 128GB storage option.

With this pricing, it looks like the iPad Air 2 will remain in the assortment in Apple Stores and online, despite stock issues at some retailers.